Judith K. "Judy" Sampson

Judith K. "Judy" Sampson, 86, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, in Geneva, Illinois, following a brief illness. Born on September 12, 1939, to Frank and Helen Lockage, Judy grew up alongside her sister, Sandra, forming bonds that would carry through a lifetime.

Judy attended Michigan State University, where she studied nutrition and met the love of her life, Ken Sampson. The two embarked on a beautiful journey together, beginning in Morehead, Minnesota, after their wedding. As job opportunities arose, Judy and Ken made homes in several communities-Green Bay, Monroe, Plymouth, and New Glarus, Wisconsin, as well as Logan, Utah. No matter the destination, Judy brought warmth, steadiness, and joy to each household, nurturing her growing family and creating a sense of belonging everywhere they went.

While raising her children-Mike, Dan, and Jenny-Judy's entrepreneurial spirit emerged in vibrant form. In New Glarus, Wisconsin, she opened Mrs. Lackovich's Christmas House, a magical shop that quickly became a cherished part of the town's holiday traditions. Her passion for all things festive, paired with her impeccable eye for detail, eventually led to the opening of a second store in Kohler, Wisconsin. Each shop reflected her deep love for the Christmas season and the delight she found in bringing happiness to others.

In her later years, Judy found immense joy in being a grandmother. She was endlessly generous with affection-always ready with a warm hug, a listening ear, or the perfect encouraging word. To her family, she was the heart of every gathering and the keeper of countless treasured memories. Judy also cared for Ken as he battled Alzheimer's disease.

Judy's legacy lives on through her loving children, Mike (Missy) Sampson, Dan Sampson (Melanie McCall), and Jenny (Jim) Schiavo; her adored grandchildren-Max (Katie), Matt (Jessica), Maggie, Jacob, Saskia (Steve), and Nicole (Ryan); and her beloved sister, Sandra (John) Moore. Each carries forward the lessons she gave so freely, to find joy in life's small moments, and to keep close the people who matter most.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Ken Sampson, her parents, Frank and Helen Lockage, and her baby brother, Francis M. Lockage Jr.

A private family celebration of Judy's life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Judy and Ken's name to the University of Wisconsin Foundation, Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute, US Bank Lock Box, PO Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or online at https://wai.wisc/edu/give.